Gujarat has been a much-improved side in first-class cricket over the last few years under the captaincy of experienced campaigner Parthiv Patel. The team has played a dominant role in the last few years of Ranji Trophy winning the prestigious trophy in the 2016-17 season by beating Mumbai in the final.

However, this year, the side hasn’t been able to reap the services of their regular captain, Patel, as he was busy touring Australia with the Indian team. But still, the team did a fantastic job by reaching the quarterfinals under stand-in skipper Priyank Panchal.

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But ahead of the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals clash against Kerela,Parthiv is back to lead the Gujarat side. The team’s coach, Hitesh Majmudar, has confirmed the development along with Parthiv, spinners Axar Patel, and Piyush Chawla will also be available for the last-eight clash, and the coach feels that it will be a big boost for the team.

Parthiv & Co are playing knockouts the third time in a row and the coach believes that the team is very much committed and experienced in the longest format and have the players who can deliver. The team also has a good mix of young and experienced bowlers which is an added advantage along with skipper returning.

Parthiv missed out due to international commitments

“Parthiv was not available earlier due to his international commitments but now that he is back, he will play the quarterfinals. His presence is a big boost for the team,” Majmudar told Sportstar.

“We will be playing the knockouts for the third time in a row and all the players know how to deliver in a five-day game. That’s a great thing. We have got two-three youngsters who are doing well, so that’s a positive,” the coach added.

“We have a perfect mix of young and experienced bowlers. All of them performed well and when we needed seven points, they helped us achieve it. So the confidence is really high,” the coach stated.

With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) going back to the home and away format for the knockouts, Gujarat will have to travel to Wayanad — which is Kerala’s home venue. But the coach is not thinking too much about Kerala having the ‘home advantage’. Gujarat will play Kerela in the quarterfinals from January 15 to January 19 at Krishnagiri Stadium, Kerala.